Lawfare News

The Week That Will Be

Matthew Kahn
Monday, April 30, 2018, 12:25 PM

Event Announcements (More details on the Events Calendar)

Published by The Lawfare Institute
in Cooperation With
Brookings

Event Announcements (More details on the Events Calendar)

Tuesday, May 1 at 9:00 a.m.: The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace will host an event on the practicalities and politics of denuclearizing North Korea. Corey Hinderstein, Eli Levite, Li Bin, Toby Dalton, Choi Kang, Douglas Paal, Hung Pak, and James Schoff will speak on panels discussing the matters. More information here.

Tuesday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m.: The Brookings Institution will host an event on the resilience of American democracy. E.J. Dionne, Thomas Mann, Steven Levitsky, Daniel Ziblatt, Yascha Mounk, and Bill Galston will speak about their respective books on the matter. Register to attend.

Wednesday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m.: The Brookings Institution will host an event on the future of U.S.-Japan relations. Diet member Akira Amari will deliver a keynote address, followed by a panel with Mireya Solis, Amari, Koichiro Gemba, Ryan Hass, Yoshimasa Haashi, and Akiho Tanaka. RSVP.

Employment Announcements (More details on the Job Board)

Associate Editor, Lawfare

Note: The associate editor also serves as a research assistant for Benjamin Wittes at the Brookings Institution. All applicants must apply on the Brookings website to be considered.

Overview

The research assistant assists with the maintenance and publication of Lawfare, a national security law website in the Governance Studies (GS) program at The Brookings Institution. Provide research and administrative assistance on a diverse array of projects connected with the legal framework of American national security policy. Undertake research assignments with minimal supervision, draft summaries of findings, and assist with preparation of publications. Collaborate with GS Communication staff on matters pertaining to public/private events and GS Development staff on matters pertaining to donor proposals.This entry level position is a great opportunity for a recent graduate with an interest in national security law.

Responsibilities

Editorial and Research Assistance (75%)

  • With guidance from Senior Fellow and Lawfare senior management, researches and collects documents and information from various sources (government agencies, universities, libraries, database, Internet, non-profit research organizations, etc.) on relevant topics for weekly publication on Lawfare.
  • Collects and prepares data from various sources for qualitative analysis, drafting and summarization of information.
  • Provides editing and review assistance in preparation for publication.
  • Work with Lawfare editorial team to ensure content is up-to-date and accurate, publish and design content, and perform other site maintenance duties as necessary.
  • Proofread, update, and fact-check existing data and footnotes; finalize documents in preparation for publication.

Administrative Support (25%)

  • Coordinate logistics for Lawfare and Brookings projects. This includes scheduling guests on the Lawfare Podcast, identifying dates for presentation, coordinating calls and communication with external authors to Lawfare.
  • Assist with scheduling and coordinating internal and external events and meetings for Senior Fellow.
  • Collaborate with development and communications staff as needed, including confirming fellow or senior fellow availability and interests, recent publications and activity, and relevance of recent work to various external requests for information.
  • Provide additional administrative support for Lawfare and Brookings projects, as needed.

Qualifications

Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in political science, government or a related field is required. One year of experience preferred, experience can come from prior employment, internship, or applicable undergraduate work. Academic background in constitutional law, the judiciary, or legal questions surrounding security issues is highly preferable. Demonstrated interest in the law is desired. Interest in issues pertaining to national security is required.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Outstanding writing, analytical and research skills, demonstrated through prior relevant research experience. Journalism experience is preferred. Ability to write clearly and with minimal supervision is required. Thorough knowledge of library and online research resources and capacity to conduct independent research is required. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and organizational skills are also required, as well as ability to take initiative and work in a fast-paced environment. Basic familiarity with Drupal or Adobe Audition is a plus.

Additional Information:

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply.

A complete application will include ALL of following items:

  • Current resume and cover letter describing your interest in applying to this specific position (attach your cover letter and resume as one document)
  • Writing sample of a maximum of 200 words
  • Copy of transcripts ( official or unofficial)

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, or other factors protected by law.

Associate General Counsel, Office of the Director of National Intelligence

Summary

Position Information
This is an opportunity for:

  • An internal or external candidate to fill a GS-15 cadre position.
  • A Federal Government employee to serve on a two-year reimbursable detail assignment in the ODNI. The detail assignment may be extended an additional year if all parties agree.

Who May Apply
Current GS employees at the same grade or one grade lower than the advertised position grade may apply.
Former members of the Peace Corps may be considered for ODNI employment only if five full years have elapsed since separation from the Peace Corps.

  • For a cadre assignment:
    • Current ODNI permanent cadre.
    • Current ODNI Staff Reserve Employees. (A staff reserve employee who currently occupies this position may not apply.)
    • Current Federal Government employees. (Current GS employees at the same grade or one grade lower than the advertised position grade may apply. )
    • Candidates outside the Federal Government.
  • For a detailee assignment:
    • Current Federal Government employees. (Current GS employees at the same grade or one grade lower than the advertised position grade may apply. )

Salary Determination

  • The ODNI uses a rank-in-person system in which rank is attached to the individual. A selected ODNI candidate or other Federal Government candidate will be assigned to the position at the employee's current GS grade and salary.
  • For a selected non-Federal Government candidate, salary will be established within the salary range listed above, based on education and experience.
  • A current Federal Government employee, selected for a detail, will be assigned to the position at his or her current grade and salary.

Component Mission
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) provides legal advice and counsel to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and other ODNI officials on a wide range of legal issues to include intelligence and national security law; procurement and acquisition law; personnel law; government ethics, budget, and fiscal law; general administrative law; legislative support; government information practices (Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act); and intellectual property law.

Responsibilities

Major Duties and Responsibilities (MDRs)

  • THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL SEEKS ATTORNEYS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
  • Acquisitions and Appropriations: Applicants should have in-depth knowledge and experience with both federal budget and execution and research and development programs. Preferred qualifications include a demonstrated expertise in the following areas: (a) National Intelligence Program budget and execution; (b) general acquisition and procurement law and policy, including major system acquisitions, source selections, and contract disputes and (c) intellectual property law, including patents, copyright and trademarks.
  • Employment Law: Applicants should have demonstrated experience providing expert legal advice on EEO matters, human resources issues, and general employment related matters. Preferred qualifications include demonstrated experience appearing in litigation before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on matters arising under federal statutes, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and other laws administered by the EEOC; including preparing pleadings, conducting and defending depositions, engaging in discovery, and representing the agency in court proceedings.
  • Please Note:
  • Attorneys in ODNI OGC rotate portfolios on a regular basis to provide legal support and guidance on unique and complex issues. Accordingly, attorneys are expected to provide expert legal counsel, advice and support across a wide range of legal issues, to include intelligence and national security law, FISA, litigation, privacy and civil liberties, international law, procurement and acquisition law, personnel law, government ethics, appropriations and fiscal law, administrative law, legislative issues, government information practices (Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act), and intellectual property. To that end, ODNI OGC is looking for attorneys who are well-rounded, have broad legal experience, and with an interest in a wide array of practice areas relevant to the intelligence community. Potentially one or more candidates will be selected from this advertisement.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status

No

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Provide expert legal advice and guidance to senior Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) leadership on complex areas of law affecting ODNI's duties and responsibilities under the National Security Act, Presidential directives, Executive Orders, and other related laws and policies.
  • Provide expert legal counsel to support the development, review, and preparation of United States (US) Government-wide and IC-wide policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, and standards.
  • Counsel clients, including senior ODNI leaders, on complex legal issues and provide innovative and highly effective guidance on possible courses of action; expertly prepare complex, high profile, and persuasive legal documents on complex legal issues for a variety of internal and external recipients.
  • Expertly conduct or direct legal research and analysis on extremely complex or sensitive legal issues as well as on laws, regulations, and policies that have a significant impact on ODNI and IC interests and brief ODNI leadership on issues and findings.
  • Provide timely reviews of planned ODNI and IC activities for compliance with the Constitution and laws of the US, Executive Orders, and other applicable regulations and policies affecting ODNI and the IC and brief ODNI leaders on potential legal and policy issues, and develop solutions to address difficult legal problems having potential high-level or large-scale impact on the ODNI's or the IC missions or activities.
  • Expertly analyze statutes, bills, reports, and Congressional materials, as well as proposed Executive Branch orders, directives, regulations, and policies, to determine their effect on the ODNI and the IC; provide expert advice and counsel to senior management on legislative proposals, Congressional testimony, and related documents.
  • Provide expert briefings and advocate for ODNI and IC views on particular matters to Executive Branch entities, Congress, and private sector entities; cogently brief senior ODNI leaders on legal issues that relate to or effect ODNI and IC activities.
  • Maintain productive working relationships with ODNI elements, IC colleagues, executive agencies, congressional personnel and members, congressional committees, and use these relationships to advocate ODNI and IC positions, support a continuing dialog, and provide insight into ongoing and planned ODNI and IC activities.

Qualifications

Mandatory and Educational Requirements

  • Superior multi-disciplinary legal skills and experience dealing with complex legal issues, as well as an expert ability to interpret laws, regulations, judicial decisions, Executive Orders, and statutes involving complex concepts and issues.
  • Superior research abilities, including the ability to quickly integrate and synthesize the facts and law to make legally sound decisions, and recommendations pertaining to the most complex situations, or in the context of ambiguous or ill-defined situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to resolve complex legal problems, to think creatively to solve complex and novel legal issues, and to gain consensus among disparate organizations on legal and national security issues of common concern.
  • Superior ability to routinely communicate, orally and in writing, the most complex concepts and issues in a manner well matched to the audience being addressed, and to consistently make sound, timely decisions in complex, ambiguous or ill-defined situations.
  • Superior interpersonal, organizational, and problem solving skills, including the ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative environment and superior creative problem solving skills.
  • Expert legal knowledge obtained through the completion of a Doctorate of Jurisprudence or Bachelor of Laws degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school, and active membership of the Bar of the highest court of a US State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

The ODNI is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: The ODNI provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified applicants with disabilities. IF YOU NEED A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Intelligence Community Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Office Representative by classified email at DNI-EEOD-RA-ACF@exchange.cia.ic.gov, by unclassified email at DNI-EEOD@dni.gov, by telephone at 703-874-8360, by TTY at 703-874-8554, or by FAX at 703-874-8651. Your request for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO THE EEOD EMAIL ADDRESS. THIS EMAIL IS FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS ONLY. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION VIA THE EMAIL ADDRESS PROVIDED IN THE 'HOW TO APPLY' SECTION BELOW.

JOB INTERVIEW TRAVEL: Candidates from outside the Washington, D.C., area may be selected for a telephone, teleconference, or in-person interview. If selected for an in-person interview, the ODNI hiring office will pay for travel by commercial carrier (economy class) or reimburse for privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage. If applicable, the candidate also will be reimbursed at a flat rate for commercial lodging and per diem.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the position description and required KSAs and then construct their resumes to highlight their most relevant and significant experience and education for this job opportunity. The description should include examples that detail the level and complexity of the work performed. Applicants will also be evaluated on their narrative responses to the KSAs. The best qualified applicants will be further evaluated through an interview process.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance

Top Secret/SCI

Required Documents

All Applicants:

APPLICATION PACKAGES MUST CONTAIN ALL ITEMS LISTED ABOVE. AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE WILL BE INELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.

Your application MUST be received by midnight on the closing date of this announcement. Applications received after the closing date will NOT be eligible for consideration. To verify receipt of your application package ONLY, you may call or email at Phone: 703-275-3799; Email: Recruitment_TeamA@dni.gov.

Director, Rework America Task Force

TITLE: Director

REPORT: Senior Principal, Rework America Task Force

LOCATION: New York, NY or Washington, DC

About Markle Foundation:

Markle is a private foundation with a long commitment to deploying the power of communications and information technologies for public benefit. Markle achieves its objectives by directly operating projects in its areas of inquiry and does not make grants in response to unsolicited proposals. Markle has a demonstrated history of impact in its past work. More information is available at www.markle.org.

REWORK AMERICA TASK FORCE: A Markle Initiative.

The Rework America Task Force (RATF) seeks to transform our labor market from one solely focused on traditional credentials like degrees and work history, to one rooted in the skills needed for the jobs of the 21st century. We will harness the same forces disrupting our economy, from Big Data to Artificial Intelligence, to connect all Americans - especially the almost seven in ten Americans without a college degree - to new opportunities and training for in-demand jobs. We will advance a modern labor market that aligns the skills of our workforce to the needs of our employers, keeping American businesses competitive and giving American workers clear pathways to quality jobs over the course of their lives.

Ideal Profile

The RATF team is small, action-oriented and fast-paced. We are passionate about our mission, keen to learn, and enjoy what we do. We’re seeking candidates who excel in relationship-
building, are results-oriented, and have strong research and analytical skills. Given the entrepreneurial nature of the Task Force, all team members execute a diverse portfolio of projects and contribute to the team through execution of pilots, supporting multiple initiatives and collaborating across teams and partner organizations.

Required Competences:

  • A demonstrated commitment to meeting a high bar and a history of getting things done even in the face of obstacles, balancing creativity and practical business judgment.

  • A record of success in developing and seeking out the next challenge and thinking outside constraints to get things done, operating with a clear sense of purpose while being comfortable with ambiguity and change.

  • A proven ability to develop and maintain relationships among many different types of people, especially at high-levels, and to apply critical interpersonal and judgment skills to affect outcomes.

Preferred Competencies:

  • Knowledge of workforce and/or education policy issues.

Responsibilities

The Director will work with the two co-Directors to provide the Rework America Task Force chair, Task Force members and associated Working Groups with substantive guidance and advice surrounding U.S. labor market trends, related impacts of automation and technological advancements, workforce management, worker education and upskilling, trends in technology and Artificial Intelligence, and employer skills-based practices. The Directors drive deliverables from the Task Force to support the Task Force mission of enabling all Americans continued access to the American Dream. The principal responsibilities include:

  • Participate in developing the substantive underpinnings for Task Force objectives. Prepare materials, engage experts, supervise work product development and deliverables.

  • Provide advice and assistance to the RATF Chair, in the form of written products, research, articles for publication and RATF meeting materials, as directed.

  • Provide expertise and substantive direction to RATF Working Groups, guiding their outputs consistent with the goals of the RATF generally and the RATF Chair, specifically.

  • Conduct outreach to experts, policymakers, and other relevant actors to inform RATF objectives and outcomes.

  • Collaborate with Task Force staff and contractors as necessary to ensure appropriate subject matter expertise is available to Task Force members and Working Groups.

  • Identify opportunities for the Task Force to engage in the national debate surrounding the future of work and ways to incentivize change in the U.S. labor market.

  • Other tasks and responsibilities as requested or as assigned.

Job Details

  • Status: Full-time

  • Salary: Competitive

  • Travel: Moderate

  • Degree or credential Requirements: None.

  • Markle is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations and marital status.

  • Applying: Please submit cover letter and resume to: RATFapplicants@markle.org, subject line: Director Application

Cybersecurity and National Security Policy Advisor, Third Way

Title: Policy Advisor

Report to: National Security Program Director

Location: Washington, D.C.

About Third Way: Third Way is a national think tank that champions modern center-left ideas. Our agenda is built on the bedrock belief that for political movements to succeed in our political system, they must relentlessly reimagine their policies, strategies, and coalitions. We are fighting for opportunity, so everyone has the chance to earn a good life; progress on social issues, so all have the freedom to live the lives they choose; and security, so we are protected from the global threats of the 21st century.

About the Position: Third Way is seeking a Policy Advisor for the National Security Program to analyze cyber security and national security issues and make policy recommendations. Reporting to the Program Director, this position is part of Third Way’s National Security team. Primary responsibilities include researching, developing and writing policy and message documents on major national security issues before Congress and the Administration with a particular focus in cyber security, national security law, and international treaties and organizations. The policy advisor also represents Third Way at external meetings with policymakers and advocacy organizations. A detailed knowledge of national security issues, very strong research and writing skills, good sense of humor and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment are required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop and draft policy products
  • Conduct in-depth research and distill complex issues into succinct and accessible formats, such as policy memos, idea briefs and opinion pieces.
  • Draft memos, talking points, Q&A documents, prepare infographics and other presentation and briefing materials on National Security Program products.
  • Monitor and analyze current events and developments on national security issues.
  • Research and analyze legislative debates and political developments on such topics as cybersecurity, privacy & surveillance, international technology policy and international agreements.
  • Monitor online databases, traditional and social media outlets, and reports from government, academia, and advocacy communities to stay abreast of relevant developments.
  • Represent Third Way and work closely with Congress, the administration, advocacy organizations and other progressive leaders on national security issues.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree, graduate or law degree preferred but not required.
  • A minimum of two years of congressional, federal, journalism, advocacy or other relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated strength in clear, concise, and persuasive writing especially op-eds and/or policy memos.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Congressional processes and foreign policy tools.
  • Work experience in a team environment with minimal supervision, demonstrating an ability to prioritize and take appropriate action.
  • Exercise diplomacy in communications with external contacts and staff.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple projects within specified time frames and multi-task various assignments.
  • Discretion handling confidential information.
  • Ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent computer and MS Office Suite skills.
  • Ability to solve problems creatively.

Skills, Traits, and Beliefs:

  • Self-starting: Third Way seeks people who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and will bring a sustained passion for our mission.
  • Collaborative: Third Way works in teams—sharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing its shared priorities.
  • Creative: Third Way fosters divergent thinking that isn’t afraid to take on the orthodoxies of the left or the right. Team members come up with original insights, find unique ways to look at data, and challenge their preconceptions.
  • Results-oriented: Third Way functions with an organizational commitment to clear objectives, ambitious timelines, accountability for results, and a focus on impact.

Unpaid Law Student Volunteer, Appellate Staff of the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice

Title: Law Student Volunteer

Division: Appellate Staff of the Civil Division

Term: Academic year

Weeks/Hours: Full- or part-time. At a minimum, interns must work at least 20 hours per week for at least 10 weeks.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Job Description: Interns typically perform legal research, write memoranda, and prepare initial drafts of appellate briefs. In addition to case law and treatise research, assignments often entail searching legislative history to aid in statutory interpretation issues. Interns also participate as judges in moot courts with staff attorneys and are encouraged to attend oral arguments in the District of Columbia and Federal Circuits.

Qualifications: Candidates must be current law students who will have completed at least one year of law school by the start of the internship. Candidates must have excellent writing skills and high academic standing. Candidates must also be U.S. citizens or nationals, must have resided at least three of the past five years in the United States, and must successfully complete a background investigation.

Salary: Academic or work-study credit possible. Transit subsidies are available.

Travel: N/A

Application Process: All applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and law school transcript (unofficial versions accepted). Applicants who are currently 1Ls are also required to submit an undergraduate transcript (unofficial versions accepted). An undergraduate transcript is optional for 2L and 3L applicants. Applications should be sent by email to Sonia Carson, Melissa Patterson, and Ben Shultz at civapp.internjobs@usdoj.gov(link sends e-mail).

Application Deadline: Applications for fall- or spring-semester positions are accepted on a rolling basis, and positions are typically filled several months in advance. For the fall semester, applicants are encouraged to apply by April 1; for the spring semester, applicants are encouraged to apply by October 15. Please indicate the semester for which you are applying in the subject line of your email.

Relocation Expenses: N/A

Number of Positions: 3 to 5 per semester


Topics:
Matthew Kahn is a third-year law student at Harvard Law School and a contributor at Lawfare. Prior to law school, he worked for two years as an associate editor of Lawfare and as a junior researcher at the Brookings Institution. He graduated from Georgetown University in 2017.

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